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“Don’t worry about me. I’m fine.”

Lia shot her a look, one that Rissa figured everyone obeyed. “Come with me.”

Jolie laughed. “Doctor’s orders, Rissa. I’m coming, too.”

Rissa wasn’t surprised when Knox and Lawson followed them. They would all want to be close in case Amber needed anything. And to meet the Sprout in person.

Amber and Gray’s space was on the third floor of the inn. A small entry led to a powder and laundry room on one side and a kitchen on the other. Past the kitchen, a large living space held comfortable couches and chairs. Another hall probably led to the bedrooms. Lia moved that way, while Rissa and the others waited in the living room.

A few minutes later, Burke joined them. He immediately wrapped Rissa in his arms. “I’m glad you’re all here. She’s happy, but those contractions are happening quickly. I’m glad Lia’s here.”

“What do they need? How can we help?”

Burke shrugged. “They said they’re all good. They were prepared to have a home birth. Gray and I got the bedding prepared, and they told me all we can do is wait.

As a group, they all sighed. Waiting was hard.

Knox moved to the kitchen. “I’ll make tea. Can she drink tea? I’m betting she can’t eat. Do you think she’ll want tea?”

They all shrugged. None of them had any experience with this.

Someone knocked on the door, and Knox opened it. Mara and Seth entered with a couple of trays. “We brought food and drinks for all of you. Let us know if you need anything else.”

They’d all missed lunch with the explosion and shootings. It was almost suppertime, but Rissa wasn’t sure her stomach was up to eating much. She took a mug of warm cider and wrapped her hands around it as she sat on the couch beside Burke.

Jolie looked around. “I’m glad you’re here, Rissa. Amber will be too. You’ve always been part of the family, so it fits.”

Rissa blinked back tears. “Thank you. I don’t want to impose.”

Lawson laughed. “You wouldn’t know how to impose, Rissa. It’s not in your personality. I know Lia ordered you up here to check on your symptoms, but we all want you to stay. You’re family.”

Her lips trembled when she smiled. “Thank you.”

Burke ran his hand down her arm, and she moved into him. He leaned down and whispered in her ear. “Family. I like the sound of that.”

She did, too.

With a warm heart, she settled in to wait.

Chapter 22

A Question Of Luck

Burke paced the living area in Gray and Amber’s suite, worry for his sister paramount in his mind. Mitch had arrived earlier—the paramedic was obviously excited to be in on the birth. He had emerged from the bedroom once to say that Amber was doing great and that the baby would arrive soon.

Soon.

How long was soon?

What if something went wrong? Were the two professionals enough?

He was glad he mostly watched sports when he had time for television. The last thing he needed in his head was a series of medical dramas showing him all the things that could go wrong. His imagination was more than enough on that front.

Rissa stood and crossed to wrap her arms around him. “She’s going to be okay.”

He squeezed her hard. “I know.” And he did. Except this was his sister, and he couldn’t stop the worry.

“She’s in excellent hands.”